The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Curtis A. Reid, United States Army, for gallantry in action while performing his duties as the Bravo Section Leader for 1st Platoon, Baker Company, Task Force 1-15, ed Brigade, 3d Infantry Division on 3 July 2007. Staff Sergeant Reid’s character, selfless service, and dedication to duty are directly responsible for the rescue of four American soldiers and one Iraqi Interpreter from a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the “Audie Murphy” Company, the “Can Do” Battalion, the “Sledgehammer” Brigade, the “Marne” Division and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant Curtis A. Reid heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of enemy of the United States as the Bravo Section Leader in 1st Platoon, Baker Company, Task Force 1-15, 3d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, on 3 July 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM V. Staff Sergeant Reid demonstrated heroism and valor as a Bradley Commander when he saved the lives of four American soldiers and one Iraqi Interpreter after an improvised explosive device struck his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The strike immediately caused the Bradley to be engulfed in flames and left Staff Sergeant Reid with a severe concussion. In addition the gunner, Private First Class Jones, was unconscious and the three American soldiers and one Iraqi interpreter in the back of the Bradley also sustained head injuries. Staff Sergeant Reid immediately noticed that Private First Class Jones was unconscious from the blast, and started shaking him until the Soldier was conscious. Once awake, Private First Class Jones could not successfully get out of the turret by himself. As fire and smoke filled the turret and hull, Staff Sergeant Reid jumped on top of the turret and pulled Private First Class Jones out of the vehicle and handed him over to the medic on site. Due to the damage sustained on the vehicle, the driver was unable to lower the troop ramp, and the four individuals in the back were unable to open the troop door. The soldiers inside the vehicle managed to open the troop hatch; however, the main gun was oriented towards the rear of the Bradley hindering their escape. By this time the flames on the Bradley were fifteen feet high and smoke was billowing from the hull. Staff Sergeant Reid noticed that smoke had filled the troop compartment of the Bradley and that the Soldiers could not extract themselves. Without regard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Reid got back inside the burning Bradley in order to manually raise the main gun. He successfully raised the main gun enabling the Soldiers in the back to push open the troop hatch wide enough to evacuate the vehicle. Staff Sergeant Reid then got out of the turret and maintained his position on top of the Bradley rescuing the four individuals one by one. Once Staff Sergeant Reid rescued the individuals that were inside his Bradley, he jumped off of the Bradley and started making his way out of the kill zone. After taking two steps away from the vehicle, he collapsed due to the extent of his own injuries. Minutes later he was evacuated by air to the 28th Combat Surgical Hospital for medical attention, where he was deemed in critical condition. Staff Sergeant Reid is directly responsible for saving the lives of four American Soldiers and one Iraqi interpreter. His decisiveness, leadership, and selflessness while injured and under enemy fire prove him worthy of respect and recognition. Staff Sergeant Reid’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the “Audie Murphy” Company, the “Can Do” Battalion, the “Sledgehammer” Brigade, the “Marne” Division and the United States Army.